Newbie questions - oriole feeder and bird ID

I have a couple of stupid newbie questions. I put up a couple of feeders in my garden just for kicks a couple of years ago and have grown addicted to watching the birds. Who knew?? What a fascinating world! Any idea how long it takes for orchard and Baltimore orioles to start coming to a feeder with oranges and grape jelly? They've nested in the yard for at least two years now so I know they are around but I've only recently put out a feeder for them. Patience isn't my strong point and I want them to behave like the goldfinches and woodpeckers that don't hardly let me get away from the feeders after refilling them before they are back at it.

Also, I've been hearing a bird with an interesting song but I can't identify it by listening to bird calls from sites I've found online. It reminds me of the opening notes from a Folgers coffee commercial that sounds vaguely like a perking coffee pot and ends up with "the best part of waking up is Folgers in your cup." I'm in NW Missouri on the edge of the woods. There is a stream about a half mile away but that is it for bodies of water. See? I told you they were stupid questions.

Hi Debbie, They are not stupid questions! :-)

My understanding is that you have to have the Oriole feeder up WHEN they first arrive for them to use it all the time. Which would mean you would have to have it up before they arrive.

Our member Dellrose is from MO and she could probably tell you when they arrive since she feeds them every year.

They also might be getting a lot of insects right now while raising young.

As far as the call goes I was thinking the first part of an American Robins call but I certainly could be wrong.

Debbie, Do you have Hummingbird feeders out? A lot of times the Orioles will go to those too.

Welcome to the forum!

Thanks Pelletory. I do have Hummingbird feeders out and I did see an oriole go to it but just once. Thanks to this forum I now have several hummer feeders all equipped with homemade ant moats. I fought those little buggers for years.

I listened to the American Robin's call on whatbird.com and that isn't it but I appreciate the suggestion. I'm still new at being able to identify what is in front of me at the feeders let alone the sounds of something I cannot see. It took me a week to finally figure out that what I was looking at was a Blue Grosbeak and not an Indigio Bunting. lol

Hi Debbie and welcome to Dave's and the Bird Forum! As you said bird watching is quite addicting and it sounds like we have been addicted for the same length of time.

Regarding the Oriole's...I went back and checked my pictures and it seems like they showed up about April 25th for the past two years. The Baltimore's stay for about three weeks and then leave but I have had one male Orchard still around so they must be nesting somewhere close by. I put my Oriole and Hummer feeders up I think in early April and hope to get some early travelers. The Oriole's love grape jelly and I also put out orange halves which they devour. The attached pic shows their favorite feeder although they also like the Hummer feeders.

As far as your bird singing...it doesn't sound familar but I am not very good at ID'ing birds by their song. I'm wondering if it might be a Mockingbird as they can come up with some elaborate vocals!! LOL!

Another one with a lot of calls is the Blue Jay.

It's hard to pin down a call for us because there are a number of birds with numerous calls that you don't always hear on the internet.

Hi Rose, I didn't realize your Baltimore Orioles only stay 3 weeks! I'm glad your Orchard is still there.

How about yours nanny?

Thanks for the info Dellrose. I had no idea that the feeders had to be up when they arrived. Apparently I have a lot to learn but it will be fun. I'll keep looking and listening.

I had a pair of Orioles this year! But they are gone now. I agree with the end of April. Mine first came to the hummingbird feeders, so I very quickly put out orange halves and they came back every day. Had to change the oranges every day.

As far as the bird call goes, I think I know what it is. I described it to my very knowledgeable nephew as "the sound of a big drop of water falling into a vat of oil". He knew right away that it was a cowbird. Didn't believe him at first - had to see it for myself. And he was right. I, too, am addicted to bird watching. Now, if only I could do something about those darned squirrels....... Oh, I live in southern Missouri.

Maggie I think you and your nephew are spot on. I saw cowbirds at the feeders but didn't manage to put the bird and song together. What a brilliant description of it! I obviously missed the April time line for the orioles but I keep the feeder up and stocked with fresh oranges and jelly just in case. I know they are nesting near by. I see and hear them all the time. I'll be ready next year. Good luck with the squirrels.